Mennonite Church USA Highlighting Conscientious Objection and LGBTQ+ Witness at Peace Summit

Caleb Stoltzfus, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science, has spent the past six years working as a direct support professional at Friendship Community. He also interned at Mennonite Central Committee’s Washington, D.C., office. Stoltzfus is a member of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His family has a history of pacifist convictions, including his grandfather, Glenn Martin, who served as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War.

This Menno Snapshots blog is part of a series from Mennonite Church USA’s Waging Peace: A Militarism Summit, held in Leola, Pennsylvania, on November 6-7. Stoltzfus will lead a seminar titled “Conscientious Objection & LGBTQ+ Witness” alongside Jim S. Amstutz, a retired MC USA pastor and educator. The seminar explores the intersection of peace testimony and contemporary social justice issues.

Stoltzfus credits his grandfather’s experiences as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War as a formative influence. Glenn Martin, who served in Indianapolis, Indiana, at a Goodwill store as part of his alternative service, shared stories that shaped Stoltzfus’s understanding of pacifism. Growing up in a Mennonite community, he was immersed in teachings that emphasize nonviolence and love for neighbors. He believes that following Jesus’ example of turning the other cheek is a form of civil disobedience, rooted in the belief that violence contributes to global suffering.

Stoltzfus recalls sitting in high school Bible class, listening to his teacher, Jim Amstutz, discuss conscientious objection. The lesson resonated deeply with him, especially as he thought about his grandfather’s courage in refusing to serve in the war. He views conscientious objection as a brave act, particularly in a society that often pressures individuals to support military service. The label of “unpatriotic” can be a significant challenge for those who choose nonviolent paths.

Stoltzfus draws parallels between the experiences of conscientious objectors and members of the LGBTQ+ community, noting that both groups often face societal resistance when choosing to live according to their convictions. He sees both as examples of individuals who “take the road less traveled,” as Robert Frost described, in their commitment to peace and justice. This perspective reflects a broader Mennonite emphasis on following the teachings of Jesus, which prioritize love and mercy over retaliation.

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